Consumption of Traditional and Indigenous Foods and Their Contribution to Nutrient Intake among Children and Women in Botswana.

In Botswana, traditional diets are gradually being replaced by westernized diets high in energy-dense and nutrient- poor, while micro nutrient deficiencies among the population remain. We determined the consumption of traditional and indigenous foods (TIF) and their contribution to nutrient intake among children and women in Botswana. TIF accounted for relatively high percentages of energy intake in children (41%) and women (36%) respectively. The mean intake of vitamin A in children and vitamin A and zinc in women was high from TIF compared to non-TIF. Research attention to determining the full potential of TIF in contributing to nutrition and health is warranted.